Sarah Blasko on getting rid of all the crap and focusing on the important stuff

“People kind of have this veneer and I see it so much,” begins Blasko. “And I guess anything that talks about removing that veneer and getting to the heart of what’s important in life can be confronting for people.
“That’s certainly what I felt I was writing about,” she continues before concluding, “Because you just want to get rid of all the crap that you don’t need in life and focus on the important stuff.”
Australian singer-songwriter, musician and producer, Sarah Blasko, is celebrating the release of her most recent effort, Depth of Field. Following ARIA Award winning, AMP shortlisted, Eternal Return, Depth of Field marks the artist’s sixth studio album since beginning the development of her solo career in 2002.
In discussing the meanings, and/or messages listeners might make, and/or take away upon listening, as well as Blasko’s own input of meaning into the featured tracks, she went on to emphasise an underlying dialogue surrounding a search for authenticity.
“I feel that what is within the record is very relatable,” she says. “Although, some of it is potentially a bit tough to listen to – I know for me it’s quite difficult to sing some edges of the album – because it feels quite honest, but I suppose it’s really about people being authentic.”
“Often people present themselves in a certain way and they’re very different behind closed doors,” Blasko explains, “Or they think that they’re a certain way but they’re actually the opposite of who they think they are.”
This exploration of emotion, accompanied by this notion of two sides to oneself and a search for authenticity is vividly depicted in video for ‘A Shot’, the second track which was lifted off Depth of Field prior to its release.
‘A Shot’ is said to be about the heartache which comes from feeling betrayed by someone you never thought would betray you and has been predicted to rank as one of the greatest vocal performances in Blasko’s storied career.
Directed by McLean Stephenson, the video for ‘A Shot’ brings the song to life with great intensity.
“For me, it’s sort of two sides to one character, explains Blasko, “Like when you feel let down by somebody, or you feel hurt, there’s these real conflicting emotions.
“On the one hand you feel like you’re stronger because you’re getting through it, then the next you sort of feel like you’re right back to where you started.
“I guess the two versions of the individual are the more accepting, moving on, Zen being and the other which is just angry and deeply upset, who really just wants to smash things – and I think it’s all part of the grieving process when you feel hurt.”
In support of Depth of Field, Blasko has packed her bags and is preparing to jet set her way around the world on her headline tour.
Visiting the likes of LA, Berlin, New York, Amsterdam, London and Paris, Blasko is ensuring the love is also shared with her homeland, after recently announcing a National tour which will see her return to our shores in May and June of this year.
“I’m just really looking forward to playing these songs,” she smiles, “With each album, it feels really different playing them live and it’s always really exciting playing them live for the first time.”
“I’m also really keen to play a bunch of shows that are all standing rooms,” explains Blasko. “Although there are a few [shows] that are seated due to different venue restrictions in certain towns and cities, it’s mostly standing rooms.”
“I’ve played a lot of seated venues over the years and that’s great if you want to do something that’s really quiet, but sometimes it can be a bit conflicting for some people,” she continues, “Some people really want to get up – there were a couple of really hilarious shows we did for Eternal Return where there were arguments in the crowd, with people wanting to get up and dance and move around.”
All crap eliminated and the important stuff focused on, Blasko is just really excited to be playing “sweatier rooms” on her forthcoming tour.
Release: Depth of Field is out now
When & Where: The Capitol Theatre, Bendigo – June 21 & 170 Russell, Melbourne – June 22
Written by Helena Metzke
Image by Kylie Coutts